We often highlight to parents and carers the areas of the Internet which pose the most obvious risks to our young people. However, the tactics that online offenders use are not always obvious. We all know that criminals will use a variety of social engineering tactics, but to be able to use those tactics there has to be some form of engagement, which requires communication features. Whether that is messaging on Snapchat or chatting within a video game, if there is a communication feature, then there is a potential risk to any child or young person. 

 

We have recently been made aware of online extremists targeting young people playing games as a means of introducing radical views, and even the chat option on Spotify being used to initiate abusive relationships. As always, we would encourage all parents and carers to take an active interest in regulating what our young people are doing online and their communications.

 

Internet matters have produced some helpful guidance on parental controls here: